Australia's road toll has taken a deadly turn, with experts warning that unpopular policies may be needed to halt the alarming trend. newsiviewlistenLoading ABC NewsNews HomeWhy Australia's road toll is rising despite decades of safety improvementsShareShare articleWhy Australia's road toll is rising despite decades of safety improvementsEBy Erin Parke. The number of fatal crashes caused by drink-driving has reduced, with drugs now a more common contributing factor.